The Most Frequently Asked Questions in Pregnancy

Is sex safe in pregnancy?

When should I call the emergency line?

When do I register at the hospital?

What do I pack in my hospital bag?

Can I exercise in pregnancy?

How and when do I do Kick Counts?

Can I color my hair/get a perm/go tanning/use a hot tub/sauna?

What are the danger signs of pregnancy?

What kind of screening tests should I expect in pregnancy?

What foods should I not eat while pregnant?

Can I travel while pregnant?

How do I know I am in labor?

Sex in Pregnancy

Under most circumstances it is safe to have sex in pregnancy.  In fact, many women find that their sex drive increases in pregnancy after the first trimester.  You should not have sex if you are experiencing vaginal bleeding, especially if you have been told that you have a condition called placenta previa.  Likewise, if you think your water is broken or leaking you should not have sex - you should call our office (during office hours) or the provider on-call (after 5:00pm) to be checked for this.  If you are having a problem with preterm labor, you should discuss with the doctor or midwife whether she/he thinks it is advisable to abstain from sexual activity until the danger of prematurity is passed.

Emergency Line

We, at the Adler Center, pride ourselves in the fact that we provide easy and convenient access for our patients to reach us 24 hours a day. When you call the main number (and it’s after 5pm or on the weekend) you can press the #2 after the recorded message to access the emergency line.  Your message is then forwarded to the midwife on call and she will return your call in a timely manner. On occasions, you may call when she is in the middle of a delivery, or there could be a technical error with the system. If your call is not returned in about 20 minutes, please call back.  If you think you have an urgent problem which can’t wait, go straight to the hospital.

So, what constitutes an emergency?

If you feel that you have a medical condition that does not warrant dialing 911, but you don’t think it can wait until the office opens on the next business day, then you need to call the emergency line. If you are calling with a message or wanting to change appointments, etc., then press #1 after the recorded message, and someone will attend to your call on the next business day.

Finally, please make every effort to ensure that you clearly state your name and phone number with a brief description of your emergency.  If you are in labor, call us before you come into the hospital.

Hospital Registration

At your 28-week visit to our office, we will give you a registration form to fill out for Potomac Hospital.  After you complete it, you can mail it to Potomac Hospital or drop it off at Registration, which is just behind the main entry to the hospital.  It is mandatory that you complete this pre-registration process in order to have your insurance and personal information in the hospital computer system prior to your arrival in labor. 

The Hospital Bag

For labor and delivery it is nice to have some support items such as: chapstick, lollipops, lotion, socks, hair ties or barrettes, change for the vending machines, a focal point photo, your own pillow or washcloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, light snacks for your coach(s), phone number list, calling card, camera with film and batteries, and for early labor its nice to have “time passers” such as cards, needlework or games.  There are many other items that may also help you through labor such as a birthing ball, handheld massagers, or a CD player with your favorite music.

For after delivery it is nice to bring 2 supportive bras/sports bras, nursing pads, a robe, slippers, extra socks, 3 loose fitting changes of clothes, and loose underpants that can accommodate large sanitary pads (the hospital provides you with pads but if you prefer, you can bring your own).

For the baby the hospital will provide clothes and diapers, but if you wish you could bring your own baby outfits, pacifier, baby socks and if you plan to breastfeed and have purchased a breast-pump then it may be a good idea to bring it with you.  It is very important that you bring the baby’s car seat and have it correctly installed in the car PRIOR to you going into labor.  This is a mandatory item and if you are unable to secure it in your car correctly we encourage you to stop by the local fire dept to have them assist you.

Exercise in Pregnancy

Many pregnant women ask us if they can exercise in pregnancy. The answer is very easy… If you have exercised before, and you have no complications with the pregnancy, then continue. Listen to your body, if you ache or hurt afterwards, then you are doing too much, so cut back, take things lightly or stop exercising. If you have never exercised before, duringpregnancy is not the time to decide that you want to start working out by going to the gym 3 times a week. For women who have not been exercising we encouraged swimming, yoga or walking because they are low impact forms of exercising. High impact exercising, or other contact sports where trauma or injuries are likely, such as kickboxing or skydiving are NOT recommended. If you have complications such as high blood pressure, placenta previa or twins, discuss this with your midwife or doctor first before participating in any exercising.

Kick Counts

What are “Kick Counts”?

It is normal for your healthy, growing fetus to move frequently in your womb (uterus).  You can help look out for the health of your baby by recording a count of the number of times your baby kicks, twists, or turns.  Doing this is called “Kick Counts”.  You will begin to feel your baby move by the 20th week of pregnancy and at 28 weeks you will notice the baby develops a regular pattern of kicking.

Why do I need to do “Kick Counts”?

If you feel as if the baby is NOT as active as you are used to then you should focus on his or her movements to reassure yourself that the baby is doing well inside your womb.  After 28 weeks you should get into the habit of doing “Kick Counts” daily so you are familiar with your baby’s patterns and well-being.

When do I do “Kick Counts”?

• Daily after 28 weeks of pregnancy.
• During your baby’s most active time of the day.
• After you eat, or after you drink cold water, juice, or milk.
• After you have walked for 5 minutes.

• Make a note of what time you begin counting the movements.
• Put a check each time your baby kicks, hiccups, twists, or turns.
• After you have made 10 checks (baby has moved 10 times), write down the time again.
• The goal is to have at least 10 kicks in 2 hours.
• Do kick counts every day and try to do them at the same time each day.

• Most healthy babies move at least 10 times in 1-2 hours.
• If your baby kicks less than 10 times in 2 hours then call our office and talk to the Midwife or Doctor on call.
• You know your body best.  If you feel like something just isn’t right then call our office immediately.

For the most part these activities are not harmful themselves.  It is the environment that you are in that can cause potential risks.  The concern regarding getting a perm, coloring your hair, and having a manicure is generally the potentially dangerous odors in the salons.  If you are going to do these activities, make sure the area is very well ventilated.  Of course, you can always ask at the salon if the chemicals being used are safe for pregnant women.

‘Tanning’ is never a recommended activity due to the risk of skin cancer. The hormonal changes in pregnancy tend to increase a women’s sensitivity to UV rays and hence increase the risk of skin cancer.  You may notice that you get dark blotches or tan/burn much easier while pregnant. The actual ultraviolet radiation exposure in tanning beds is thought to have no effect on the baby.   (By the way, tanning lotions are harmless to the baby.)  The major pregnancy concern with using tanning beds, hot tubs, and saunas is the increase in the women’s body temperature.  Raising your body temperature greater than 101 degrees is discouraged, especially during the first trimester.  Also, it is dangerous to be in a hot tub if your bag of waters is broken.

Danger Signs in Pregnancy

• Preterm Contractions-  If you are more than three weeks before your due date and you begin to feel menstrual like cramps or a dull back ache that comes and goes, intestinal cramps, along with tightening or pressure felt in or around your vagina then you may be in Preterm Labor and you need to call us immediately.  It is ok to have “Braxton-Hicks” a few times a day but it is worrisome to have contractions with pain or cramps more than 4-6 times an hour if you are 3 or more weeks before your due date.
• Vaginal Bleeding- Bright red vaginal bleeding is concerning in pregnancy.  You may have some bloody show or pink tinged blood on your underwear or tissue after you go to the bathroom if you have recently had a very active day with a lot of moving or lifting or if you have had sex in the last 24 hours.  Bright red bleeding that is trickling or similar to a menstrual period needs to be evaluated immediately.
• Water Breaking- It is worrisome if you are 3 weeks before your due date and you notice a sudden gush of fluid from your vagina or if you have a small continuous trickle of fluid.  If you are close to your due date and your water breaks then you need to call the office and talk to either a nurse or one of the providers.  We will ask you what color the fluid is, what time it broke, if the baby is moving well and if you are having any contractions or bleeding.  Then we will come up with a plan because it is very important that the baby be born within 24 hours of your water breaking.  Some women mistake a vaginal infection or loss of urine with their water being broken.  Don’t be afraid to talk with us at your visits or to call the emergency line if you are concerned.
• Headaches that won’t go away- Headaches are common in pregnancy but should be relieved if you take two extra strength Tylenol with 2 tall glasses of water and rest for 30 minutes.  If you develop a pounding headache, blurred vision that lasts for many minutes or hours, or spots floating before your eyes it is very important we evaluate you.  You need to call the office as soon as possible.
• Sudden Swelling- All women in pregnancy will develop some swelling most commonly seen below the knees due to gravity pulling the extra fluid there.  What is concerning is when you develop a sudden swelling in your face and hands.  Some women will awake in the morning and look in the mirror and don’t recognize themselves due to the swelling that occurred through the night.  This is a reason to call our office to be evaluated.  Another concerning thing about swelling is if you notice that one of your legs is swollen and the other isn’t.  It may be an early sign of a blood clot.  The signs of this are the swelling, the skin of your leg is hot to the touch, red streaking seen on the surface of the skin and pain in the one leg while the other is normal.  We encourage you to compare your legs on a daily basis and notify us of any concerns.
• Pain- There are many different discomforts that come along with being pregnant.  Back pain, pressure pain, growing pains, stretching muscle pain, headaches, stomachaches, and the list goes on and on.  We want to encourage you to educate yourself on the common discomforts of pregnancy and ask questions at your visits when you have concerns.  What is worrisome is when you develop a sudden unusually sharp pain in any part of the body that does not go away within a few minutes.
• Urinating Problems- If you are having difficulty urinating we want you to call the office.  If you have bladder pressure and try to urinate but only small amounts come out or if you have burning and stinging when urine comes past the opening, we want to evaluate you for a possible urinary tract infection (UTI).  UTI’s are very common in pregnancy and if caught early and treated with antibiotics they should not cause long term problems.
• Decreased Fetal Movement- A pregnant woman begins to feel kicks at about 19-22 weeks of pregnancy.  The kicking of a baby is a way that the baby communicates with its’ mother that it is healthy inside.  The baby will develop a pattern of kicking at about 28 weeks and it is at this time we encourage you to do Fetal Kick Counts (explanation of how to do Fetal Kick Counts is also on this FAQ section).  If you notice that your baby is not kicking as much as usual or if 2-3 hours has passed with no movement we encourage you to call the office.
• Fever- In pregnancy it is worrisome if a woman develops a fever greater than 101 degrees.  We encourage you to buy a digital thermometer when you find out you are pregnant.  If you develop nausea, vomiting, flu like symptoms or sweating or chills then take your temperature - if it is over 101 degrees then call the office.
• Nausea and Vomiting- Early in pregnancy it is common for women to have mild nausea and vomiting.  If you cannot keep any food or liquids down for 6-12 hours we encourage you to call the office.  On occasion some women need medication short term to get over “morning sickness”.  If you are farther along than 16weeks pregnant and you have nausea and vomiting that will not go away we will want to evaluate you in the office or at the hospital labor and delivery department.
• “Something Just Isn’t Right”- Now that you are pregnant you have some “maternal instincts” and if you notice you feel like something isn’t right we encourage you to call us.  It is very important that you discuss your concerns or fears with us so we can evaluate you.

        Blood type and group

           Rubella immunity status

          Hepatitis B status

        HIV status (only with client’s authorization)

        Thyroid screening status

           Syphilis status

           Gestational Diabetes Screen  (if over age 30 or if you have a previous history of                gestational Diabetes)

        Complete Blood Count (hemoglobin/hematocrit to evaluate anemia, as well as                    other values to evaluate general health status)

At the initial OB exam, a pap smear, cultures to screen for chlamydia, gonorrhea or any other vaginal infections is done, and a urine sample is collected to identify any urinary infection.

At 16 to 19 weeks clients are offered a screening test, (called MS/AFP (maternal serum alpha-fetal protein, triple screen or quad screen) which tests for neural tube defects (NTD), commonly known as spina bifida, Down’s syndrome and Trisomy 18. These are rare conditions. The test does not state whether or not the baby has these conditions, just whether or not the mother is at higher risk than other clients the same age, gestational status, etc. If the test shows higher risk, other tests such as ultrasound (to determine a more accurate dating for the calculations) and amniocentesis will be offered. Keep in mind that there are a number of false positive findings with this test, although most test results are normal. You can read more about it in the pamphlet provided in your prenatal bag. Even if the test determines you are at higher risk for having a baby with NTD, this does not mean the baby has it, or if it is present, to what extent. Further testing and counseling will be done along the way if any results are not within normal limits.

At 14 to 19 weeks an amniocentesis is offered as the standard of care to all women.  This test is neither encouraged nor discouraged by our office, but rather a decision made on a personal basis.  This test involves removing a small amount of amniotic fluid through the mother’s abdomen and uterus with a hypodermic needle under local anesthesia. The fluid is tested for chromosomal abnormalities. This test is diagnostic. Remember, there is no test that can guarantee a perfect baby.  The risk for chromosomal abnormalities rises considerably as women age and if you are age 35 or over at the time the baby is due this test is more commonly done.  However, we will strive to offer our clients all that is available to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. Clients may need to consider what they will do with the results of the two previous tests in deciding whether they will have them or decline having them.

Things both parents must consider in the context of their own personal lives include the following: Do I feel strongly against termination of pregnancy?  Even if the infant has a Chromosomal abnormality such as Down’s Syndrome?  If we are having a baby with this condition, would I like to prepare myself early? Would I consider termination if my child would be born with any of these genetic or anatomical defects? Would I prefer to wait until birth and accept my baby even with this condition?

At 20 weeks a routine ultrasound (sonogram) to evaluate the fetal anatomy, size and dating for the pregnancy, and the location of the placenta to rule out any conditions that need further evaluation is recommended.

At 28 weeks Routine labs for evaluation of anemia, antibody titers (for Rh negative women) and Gestational Diabetes screen (1 hour GTT) is done. If any 1-hour glucose screen is above the normal limits, clients will be instructed to have a 3-hour glucose tolerance test at the lab to determine if they are actually classified as Gestational Diabetic. If so, they will get counseling from a special counselor who will educate them about diet, checking blood sugars and why this is so important to pay attention to.

At 35-37 weeks you will have a routine screening for GBS (group B beta-streptococcus).  This is a simple and painless vagina/rectal culture. Clients who have been positive for GBS in a previous pregnancy or earlier in the pregnancy (vaginal culture or urine culture) do not need further testing. Any client with a positive GBS culture or history will be treated with antibiotics by IV in labor. This condition generally does not affect adults, but in the 30 – 40% of the population that cultures positive, only about 2% of their infants are affected. However, the effects can be devastating. The CDC instituted guidelines for universal screening of pregnant women in 1996 to decrease morbidity and mortality due to GBS infection in newborns, as GBS was determined to be one of the most dangerous infections for newborns.

PLEASE REMEMBER there may be a need for additional testing in your pregnancy and that will be determined by ongoing evaluation and risk assessment at each of your visits.  If a client is more high risk due to a previous medical condition or develops problems in the current pregnancy, we will follow her closely and evaluate mother and baby’s condition to determine the best course of action for both. This information is given to you as an overview. Remember that most pregnancies progress normally, even with a few deviations. We will keep you informed of your progress throughout the pregnancy. Feel free to ask for literature or ask questions if there is something you aren’t quite sure about.

How to deal with Labor Pain

Labor can be a stressful and painful time, even when you know that you’re going to get a beautirful bundle of joy at the end of it. There are several methods available to help you through this time. The most effective method is emotional and physical support by the father of the baby or your family and friends.  Words of encouragement and touch are worth more than medication.  At Potomac Hospital you are allowed to have 2 support people there with you during labor and delivery. You may choose to bring in a radio or CD player with your favorite relaxation music, or chose to spend time in the shower or tub (not all labor rooms have these facilities). T.E.N.S. is a low voltage electrical stimulus device placed in your sacral area, and you press the button to discharge the stimulus to coincide with the contraction. This device is not provided by the hospital, so you will have make your own arrangements to purchase or rent it and bring it in with you. There are narcotic pain medications available also, which are given through your I.V. (Such as “Nubain” or “Stadol”).  If none of the above methods work for you, then there is a 24-hour in-hospital anesthesia service, which enables people access to epidurals (at this time there are no walking epidural services available).  We encourage you to research these above options PRIOR to going into labor.  In most pregnancy preparation books and classes you can obtain a lot of information about coping mechanisms for helping you through labor.

Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

Most types of fish are safe and healthy dietary choices during pregnancy.  But there are a few cautions that you should be aware of.  All raw fish, including oysters, clams, mussels, and most sushi, is discouraged in pregnancy.  Since it has not been cooked, it may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites.  Due to potential mercury contamination, also avoid shark, swordfish, mackerel, and tilefish.  Recommendations for these fish vary from none to no more than one serving a month.  A maximum of 6 oz. of albacore tuna is recommended per week, though some specialists argue that even 6 oz. may be a risk.   More than 12 oz. of shrimp, canned lite tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish in a week is generally not recommended.  Keep in mind that mercury levels in fish range widely depending on their source and environmental hazards.  In general, ocean fish is usually safer than lake and river fish due to the decreased concentration of pollutants.  For more information, you can call the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationinformation line at 1-888-723-3366.

The question of cheeses that are safe during pregnancy is difficult to answer.  Cheeses that have been pasteurized and met the standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are considered safe during pregnancy.  As imported cheeses vary on their safety risk depending on the standards of their country of production, all unpasteurized imported cheeses are discouraged, especially the soft types.  All soft types of cheese, such as brie and blue cheese, are less acidic and have more moisture hence increases the risk of bacteria growth.  Hard cheeses, processed cheese and cheese spreads are all safe.  As a side note, mayonnaise is made from pasteurized eggs and is safe in pregnancy.

Research has shown that more than 300mg of caffeine a day can increase the risk of obstetrical complications.  Hence caffeine intake should be decreased and preferably discontinued.   Noamount of alcohol or smoking is known to be safe and the less exposure to your baby, the better you both are.

Traveling in Pregnancy

Travel is usually safe in pregnancy up until 37 weeks as long as you have had a low risk, uncomplicated pregnancy.  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the safest time to travel in pregnancy is between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy when the risk of spontaneous miscarriage is past and the risk of preterm labor is lowest.  Keep in mind that if you are traveling more than 4 hours away from the hospital, you may want to get a copy of your prenatal records to bring with you in case you go into labor unexpectedly or have a problem that takes you to an unfamiliar hospital. Your obstetrical care providers at a distant hospital will have a much easier time giving you safe, optimal care if you have your prenatal records with you.

There are some precautions you should take when traveling and there are some situations where we would warn you against traveling altogether.   For example, if you are experiencing any unexplained vaginal bleeding, cramping or preterm contractions we would recommend that you stay nearby in case you need to come quickly to the hospital.  After 37 weeks gestation, we would encourage you to keep close to home as labor could start at any time.  If you have a high-risk condition in your pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia, a blood clotting disease, twins, or placental previa for example, it would be safer to remain within a few miles of the hospital.

If you are planning a long trip such as a drive across country remember that you should get up, stretch, walk around and empty your bladder at least every two hours.  Try to remain hydrated and avoid getting over tired. Always remember to wear a seat belt fastened snuggly against your pelvic area.  Keep in mind that airlines may not allow you to board a plane if you are more than 35 weeks pregnant.  You should have a note from our office documenting your due date.  You must be especially careful on a long flight to stay hydrated and to get up and walk every thirty minutes if possible to avoid blood pooling in your legs and forming clots.

Please do not plan a vacation without discussing your plans with us first as there are some activities and destinations that can be very risky for you. For example, pregnant women are advised to avoid scuba diving.  Traveling to altitudes over 8,000 feet should be undertaken with precautions.  Likewise traveling in areas of the world where there are outbreaks of life threatening diseases which are food or insect borne is not recommended, nor would you want to visit an area where live viral vaccines are required for your safety.  To avoid disappointment, always discuss your plans with your care provider before you book your flight or commit to a non-refundable travel package.

How do I know if I am in labor?

It is very important that you call the office emergency line if you think you are in ACTIVE LABOR or if you think you will be going to the hospital.  It is important that you call our office first because we need to notify Labor and Deliver that you are on your way and one of the providers needs to know to meet you there.

This information will help you determine if you are in active labor, false labor or pre-labor (very early labor) especially if you have never been in labor before or have not had any childbirth preparation classes.

Labor may start with any of the following:

• Regular contractions, felt as low abdominal cramps and/or lower backache. (occasionally some women feel these cramps in their thighs or calves) occurring with a rhythmic frequency.  In very early labor they may be 30 to 60 minutes apart, or 10 to 15 minutes apart; they are mild and last about 30 seconds or less. You may or may not experience this phase. As labor becomes more active, the contractions gradually get stronger, closer together and last longer. Contractions are timed from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction. Use a watch with a second hand to time the length of each contraction.  If you think you might be starting labor, write down the frequency (how far apart) and length of contractions so you can tell the midwife. This information helps her assess what point you are at in your labor. You don’t need to time every contraction, but if you notice a change in the pattern, length, or strength, it is best to time a few contractions and write them down. Do this every hour or two for several contractions so that you can see any changes that need to be reported to the midwife. Report any significant changes.if your contractions are 5 minutes apart or less and are lasting at least 45 – 60 seconds or more, and they have been increasing in strength since they began, and have been regular for at least an hour, you need to call the midwife and plan to come in to be checked. Bring your bag that is packed with the things you will need (see the “What to pack in my hospital bag” section for ideas).
• A bloody show (mucous discharge tinged with blood or looking like a teaspoon of dark red jelly). This could happen several days before labor begins and is common the day after you have had a vaginal exam. If you get a bloody show with regular contractions, even if they are mild and far apart, you may be in very early labor. You do not need to call or come in at this time, unless your contractions are 3-5 minutes apart or less, 45 seconds or greater, or you have a leakage of amniotic fluid (water broke).
• You may experience a gush of fluid from your vagina, with or without any contractions. Note the time, amount and color (if it is on your underwear or sheets). Call immediately if this happens even if there are no pains or bloody discharge.

• In pre-labor or false labor you may experience regular contractions for many hours, but they do not get stronger or closer together. They usually subside if you walk around andusually they are not felt in the front abdomen only. This can happen several days and even several times before true, active labor begins.
• If this goes on for a long time, and you have missed a lot of sleep or are anxious about it, please call for advice. It is best to call during daytime hours for this. If you are in active labor, your water breaks, or you are having a true emergency, CALL ANYTIME.
• In true, active labor, the contractions will get stronger, longer and more frequent as time passes. If your contractions are 5 minutes apart (or less) at least 45 seconds long, are increasing in strength since their onset, you need to call the office (during regular office hours) or midwife (after 5pm) and plan to come in to be checked.
• In pre-labor or early labor, it is best to continue your usual activities (no heavy work). Pace yourself with light activities (going for a walk, light chores, cooking, reading, watching TV, etc.) resting and sleeping. 

• While in early labor at home, a really warm shower or bathmassage and/or heat (hot pack/heating pad) to the may help you relax and minimize your discomfort. A lower back and/or lower tummy may increase your comfort. Be sure not to fall asleep with a heating pad on HIGH as you could burn yourself.
• Remember to eat lightly according to your hunger, but avoid heavy, spicy or greasy foods. Carbohydrates are excellent for keeping up energy: pasta, baked potato, rice, soup, fruit or a sandwich.
• Remember to drink plenty of fluids (juice, herb tea, water) and remind yourself to urinate every hour. If you are not sure about how you are progressing or are at all concerned, check in with the midwife for some advice.
• It is often helpful to have your partner, or a close friend or relative to be with you at this time, even if you are not ready to have the baby right away. It is preferable to have someone who has had a baby already or has taken childbirth preparation classes.
• IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST LABOR, and you are not sure you are in labor, you probably are not in active labor.  You will hear from many different people that “you will just know when you are in true labor”.  Your instincts take over and you just know.  But if you have concerns or doubts then call the office for advice.
  
• IF THIS IS NOT YOUR FIRST LABOR, or you have had very short labors in the past, or your mother or sisters have had short labors you may need to call us sooner.  Follow your instincts and don’t be afraid to call for advice.  Often second and third labors take all day to get going. Contractions may be strong and long, but be 10 – 15 minutes apart. Start getting ready to come in. Call the midwife and your support team to give them a head’s up. As soon as the contractions start getting closer  like 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 minutes apart, it is time to notify the midwife and head for the hospital.
• We also want you to call sooner if you have had any problems during the pregnancy or your past medical history for which we have been following you closely, such as having weekly or bi-weekly NST’s, bi-weekly visits for high blood pressure, Gestational Diabetes, Placental Problems, or other concerns we have told you makes your pregnancy more high risk.

Where can I get information on available Childbirth preparation classes?

We recommend that you take a childbirth preparation class, especially if this will be your or your partner’s first baby. The following are some resources so you can find classes that are suitable for your needs and schedule. We recommend looking into this around your 5th month so that you will have more choices in selection regarding scheduling as classes fill us early.  The best time to start the classes will be about the 7th month so that they are completed well before your due date.  Some classes are offered on Saturdays all day for couples that find it difficult to attend weekday evening classes for several weeks.

Taking classes does not necessarily mean that you want natural childbirth. The classes help you understand the process, what your choices are for comfort measures, how you can help yourself in early labor at home prior to coming to the hospital, how to recognize the signs of true labor, when to call the emergency line to notify the midwife on call that you think it is time to come to the hospital and things of that nature.  It will also assist you and your partner in understanding the terminology and procedures that will be happening during the labor and delivery of your baby. The main goal is to educate you so that will feel more comfortable with the entire process.

Childbirth Classes